Ever get that sinking feeling when the software you rely on suddenly bumps your monthly rate, or locks a key feature behind a new premium tier? If you're running a veterinary clinic and boarding operation, you've probably watched your Gingr (boarding) bill creep up as you add staff, pets, or services, without ever actually owning the system.
SaaS platforms like Gingr (boarding) promise convenience but can leave you tangled in per-pet fees, data you can't easily take with you, and support that never quite fits your workflow. For many clinics, the real frustration comes when you realize you're five years in and have nothing to show for thousands spent, except another invoice. The honest truth: most "alternatives" to Gingr (boarding) swap one subscription for another. But there is a way to break the rental cycle and own your platform outright. Before we get there, let's size up the best current alternatives and the one path to real ownership.
Why veterinary clinics look for Gingr (boarding) alternatives
Subscription fatigue: The monthly cost of boarding management software quickly stacks up, especially as you add users, pets, or locations.
Per-pet and per-feature fees: Many platforms charge extra for each new pet record, boarding add-on, or advanced reporting feature.
Limited customization: SaaS tools lock you into their workflow, if you want a unique report or process, you're usually out of luck.
Data lock-in: Migrating away from a rental platform is never painless, and some make it tough to export your records cleanly.
Support that doesn't fit: Tiered support often means smaller clinics wait longer for fixes or never get the integrations they need.
For these reasons and more, clinics like yours are searching for Gingr (boarding) alternatives that offer more control and less recurring cost.
Quick comparison of the best Gingr (boarding) alternatives
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | You own it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornerstone (IDEXX) | Full-service vet clinics | Reported $4,000+ setup, $300+/mo | No |
| Vetspire | AI-driven, multi-location | Custom quote (often $700+/mo) | No |
| IDEXX Neo | Cloud-based, smaller clinics | From $299/mo | No |
| eVetPractice | Legacy users, integrations | From $249/mo | No |
| VetHero | Mobile check-in, communications | Custom quote | No |
| Shepherd Veterinary Software | Paperless workflows | From $249/mo | No |
| NaVetor | Cloud + ease of use | From $150/mo | No |
| AVImark | Large clinics, medical records | From $119/mo + setup | No |
| Devaims | Owning your own platform | One-time build, you own it | Yes |
Prices change, so always confirm current pricing before you decide.
The 9 best Gingr (boarding) alternatives
1. Cornerstone (IDEXX) (Full-service practice management)
Cornerstone (IDEXX) is a widely adopted on-premise and hybrid cloud system, built for clinics needing deep medical records, inventory, and integration with IDEXX diagnostics. Compared to Gingr, it runs broader, but can feel heavy for boarding-focused practices.
Pricing: Reported $4,000+ setup, then $300 to $700 monthly depending on features and support tier. See details.
- Deep medical record and inventory management
- Strong IDEXX integration
- Wide third-party support
- High up-front and ongoing costs
- Windows-based with limited remote access
- Customization locked behind service contracts
When you're paying for advanced features but only using a fraction, that's money lost every year. With an owned system, you only pay for what you need.
2. Vetspire (AI-powered, modern clinics)
Vetspire brings AI-driven workflows and cloud convenience, with a slick interface for larger or multi-location clinics. It automates medical notes and reminders, but, like Gingr, it's a pure subscription model.
Pricing: Custom quote, typically $700 to $1,200 per month for mid-sized clinics.
- AI-assisted charting and reminders
- Modern, mobile-friendly UI
- Solid multi-site support
- Expensive at scale
- All data hosted off-premise
- Heavily standardized workflows
AI features are powerful, but if you're locked into their process, changing your workflow is tough. With Devaims, your software fits your clinic, not the other way around.
3. IDEXX Neo (Cloud-based for smaller clinics)
IDEXX Neo is a cloud-based practice management tool best for small to mid-sized clinics wanting simplicity and lower up-front costs. It covers appointments, billing, and reminders, but advanced boarding features require add-ons or workarounds.
Pricing: From $299 per month. Pricing info.
- Simple, cloud-based access
- Easy onboarding
- Integrates with IDEXX diagnostics
- Boarding support is basic
- Limited customization
- Monthly subscription never stops
If you want a system built just for your boarding flow, custom software from Devaims means no compromises.
4. eVetPractice (Legacy, strong integrations)
eVetPractice is a legacy platform now part of Covetrus Pulse, known for flexibility and solid integrations. It covers core medical and boarding functions, but the design can feel dated and migrating away is rarely simple.
Pricing: From $249 per month for basic package, custom quotes for larger clinics.
- Wide integration options
- Customizable templates
- Long track record in the industry
- Outdated UI
- Per-feature pricing for add-ons
- Migration can be complex
When migration is difficult, you're more likely to stick with what you have, even if it no longer fits. With Devaims, you keep your data and own the platform.
5. VetHero (Mobile check-in and client communication)
VetHero focuses on mobile check-in and direct client communication, streamlining the front desk and curbside workflow. It's a newer tool, so core boarding features can lag behind.
Pricing: Custom quote, typically per-location pricing.
- Mobile-first design
- Text and app-based client updates
- Speeds up check-in/out
- Boarding functionality is limited
- Integration may require manual steps
- No ownership, pure SaaS
If you want mobile convenience but also true boarding depth, Devaims can build exactly the experience you need, plus you own it.
6. Shepherd Veterinary Software (Paperless, modern UX)
Shepherd Veterinary Software offers a clean, intuitive interface and is built for paperless clinics. Its workflows are streamlined, but advanced boarding, custom reports, and integrations sometimes require higher-tier plans.
Pricing: From $249 per month. See plan details.
- Modern, user-friendly design
- Paperless workflow automation
- Veterinary-specific support
- Custom features locked to premium tiers
- No ownership of data or platform
- Limited advanced boarding management
When a feature you need sits on a higher tier, you're paying for extras you don't use. With Devaims, every feature is built for your priorities.
7. NaVetor (Cloud simplicity, fast setup)
NaVetor is a cloud-based platform for clinics prioritizing simplicity and quick onboarding. It handles scheduling, reminders, and billing with an intuitive UI, but deeper boarding modules are less mature than Gingr's.
Pricing: Starts at $150 per month, add-ons for more features.
- Affordable entry tier
- Easy to learn
- Cloud access anywhere
- Boarding features are basic
- Add-ons drive up costs
- No offline option
If you ever wanted a system that just does exactly what your team needs, no bloat, no add-on games, Devaims can deliver that, and you own the results.
8. AVImark (Large clinics, medical record focus)
AVImark is a long-standing platform for larger veterinary hospitals, known for strong medical record keeping and reporting. It is Windows-based and boarding features are present but not best-in-class.
Pricing: From $119 per month plus setup fees.
- Strong reporting tools
- Handles large-scale operations
- Broad industry adoption
- Legacy interface
- Windows-only, limited web access
- No true ownership
Your data is only truly yours when you own the system it lives in. Devaims builds platforms where you keep the code and the records.
9. Devaims (Owning your own platform)
Devaims builds custom veterinary boarding and clinic management platforms that you own outright, with no monthly rental, no lock-in, and no per-pet or per-feature fees. You get full source code, unlimited users, and the freedom to control your data and workflow. Everything is built for your practice, and you keep it for life.
- One-time build, then minimal maintenance
- You own the software, code, and data
- Fully customized to your clinic's needs
- No per-user, per-pet, or recurring subscription fees
- Migration and training handled start to finish
Other Gingr (boarding) alternatives worth knowing
- IntraVet: Popular for legacy on-premise setups, but modern boarding features may be lacking.
- VetBadger: Small clinics like its simple interface, but advanced boarding and customizations are limited.
- ezyVet: Cloud-based, growing fast, but pricing is often higher than entry-level tools.
- Vetter Software: Good cloud option for startups, but not as deep in boarding workflows.
Some tools work well for general practice but don't go deep on boarding management, always review features carefully before switching.
How to choose the right Gingr (boarding) alternative
- Budget: Know your all-in monthly and yearly spend, including add-ons and support.
- Workflow fit: Map your exact boarding and clinic processes to each platform's features, avoid paying for bloat.
- Data control: Check whether you can export your records and own your data outright.
- Scale and flexibility: Will costs skyrocket if you grow users, locations, or pet count?
- Long-term math: Add up five years of fees, see if owning makes more sense for your clinic.
If you want to break the rent cycle and own your software, a custom build is the only real way off the subscription treadmill.
Stop paying rent on software you could own
The uncomfortable truth: every alternative to Gingr (boarding) keeps you paying rent forever. Even if you switch to a different platform, you're still stuck with monthly invoices, per-pet fees, and the risk of future price hikes or data lock-in. That's why clinics are turning to Devaims, to finally stop renting and start owning.
Devaims is a custom software development team that builds 100 percent yours-to-keep solutions for veterinary clinics, including deep boarding management, medical records, billing, and integrations. You get the source code, unlimited users, and your data stays in your hands. No more surprise fees, no more feature lockout, and no more anxiety about forced migrations or sunsetting platforms.
- No more per-pet or per-feature fees: The cost is fixed up front and never rises as you grow.
- Your workflow, not theirs: Every feature and report is built for your clinic, not a generic average.
- You own your data for life: Export, extend, or integrate however you want, no gatekeeping.
- Flat, predictable costs: After the build, only minimal annual maintenance remains.
| Platform | Ownership | Customization | Recurring fees | Data control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gingr (boarding) | No | Low | $400 to $800/mo | Limited export |
| Cornerstone (IDEXX) | No | Medium | $300 to $700/mo | Partial |
| Vetspire | No | Medium-high | $700+/mo | Limited export |
| Shepherd Vet Software | No | Medium | $249+/mo | Limited export |
| Devaims (custom build) | Yes (you own it) | Full (built for you) | One-time build, then flat maintenance | Full export and ownership |
Here's what the cost math looks like over five years for a typical mid-sized clinic paying $600 per month for a SaaS platform, versus a custom Devaims build at $32,000 up front and $180/month maintenance:
| Year | Rented cumulative | Owned cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,200 | $34,160 |
| 2 | $14,400 | $36,320 |
| 3 | $21,600 | $38,480 |
| 4 | $28,800 | $40,640 |
| 5 | $36,000 | $42,800 |
By the end of year five, the rented option costs more than building your own, and every year after, the gap grows. For clinics planning to grow, or those tired of being at the mercy of someone else’s roadmap, owning is almost always the smarter long-term move. We’ll run your real numbers for free and show you the break-even point for your clinic.
How to switch from Gingr (boarding)
- Export all client, pet, and boarding data from Gingr (boarding) (CSV or API if available).
- Shortlist and vet alternative solutions, SaaS or a custom Devaims build.
- Map and import historical records into the new platform, verifying data integrity.
- Reconnect payment processing, appointment scheduling, and third-party integrations.
- Train your team on the new system; set up onboarding resources.
- Run both systems in parallel for two weeks to catch issues and smooth the transition.
- Review any contractual terms with Gingr (boarding) to ensure a clean exit.
With a custom Devaims build, the migration is handled as part of the project.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Gingr (boarding) alternative for veterinary clinics?
Top alternatives include Cornerstone (IDEXX) for full-service clinics, Vetspire for multi-location practices, and Shepherd for paperless workflows. Devaims is the best fit if you want to own your platform and stop paying monthly rental fees.
Which alternative is cheapest for small clinics?
NaVetor and Shepherd Veterinary Software offer the lowest entry prices, starting at $150 to $249 per month. Over five years, however, an owned solution from Devaims can become more cost-effective for growing practices.
Is there a free Gingr (boarding) alternative?
There are no truly free, full-featured veterinary boarding management platforms. Some basic open-source options exist, but they lack the support and depth clinics need. If low cost is your priority, custom-built Devaims software can be scoped to your budget and needs.
Which alternative has the best boarding features?
Gingr (boarding) remains strong on pet boarding workflows, but Cornerstone, Shepherd, and eVetPractice all offer boarding management at different depths. For a system tailored to your exact boarding model, Devaims can build every feature you want, no compromise.
How can I avoid per-pet or per-feature fees?
Most SaaS alternatives charge per-pet, per-user, or per-feature fees. If you want to break the cycle, a custom Devaims build gives you unlimited pets, users, and features for a flat, upfront cost, no recurring surprises.
Can I keep my data if I switch from Gingr (boarding)?
You can export core data from most platforms, but formats vary and not all records come across cleanly. With Devaims, you own your data and can export or extend it whenever you want. Data migration support is included in the build.
When should a clinic switch from Gingr (boarding)?
If your costs keep rising, you need features the platform won't add, or you want real data control, it's time to look for Gingr (boarding) alternatives. The sooner you switch to an owned solution, the faster you start saving.
The bottom line
Subscription platforms work, until the math no longer does. Here is the test: add up what this tool will cost you over the next five years. If that number would have built you something you own, you already have your answer.
Owning your clinic's software is no longer a pipe dream. It's a practical, cost-saving move that gives you control and peace of mind. If you're ready to ditch the rental treadmill, Devaims will show you the real numbers for your practice and build something you'll never outgrow.
Looking for more? Read the Devaims blog at https://devaims.com/blog, or explore our alternatives guides for Cornerstone (IDEXX) alternatives and Vetspire alternatives.
